The Minimal Intervention

Lucius Burckhardt's "smallest possible intervention" theory assumes two "views" within landscape design: that which is actually visible and that in our minds eye. This theory applies to many areas of design, such as planning and building, rationalization and needs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2022
Publisher: Birkhauser

Lucius Burckhardt, a renowned Swiss sociologist, delved into the realm of design in the early 1980s, presenting his theory of the "smallest possible intervention." This concept permeates his entire body of work, spanning from his critiques of urbanism to the science of walking. The "smallest possible intervention" signifies a planning theory that embraces two fundamental perspectives within landscape design: the visible aspects of the landscape and the mental images we conjure up. The core principle of minimal intervention revolves around the idea of not interfering excessively with the existing landscape but rather collaborating with the landscape in our minds to cultivate an aesthetic understanding of the environment.

In this groundbreaking book, now available in English for the first time, Burckhardt applies this formula to various domains of design. He explores the intricate relationships between planning and building, rationalization and needs, and sheds light on the transformative power of design in shaping our surroundings. Through his insightful analysis and thought-provoking ideas, Burckhardt offers a profound exploration of the human-environment interaction, challenging our preconceptions and inspiring a new perspective on the role of design in creating a more harmonious and sustainable world.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 134 x 190 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783035625301